Excavator Quick Coupler Automatic Hydraulic Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional excavator boom quick couplers require manual connection of hydraulic lines, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage when switching between hydraulic and non-hydraulic tools, and older tools without hydraulic connections are incompatible due to space constraints and concealed supply fittings.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change coupling system where the carrier is movably mounted on the coupling element, using a cam and slidable locking element to automatically position and secure hydraulic connections, allowing for compact design and protection of supply connectors, enabling easy switching between tools with and without hydraulics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic connectors are manually connected after tool attachment, then connection flexibility is maintained, but operation efficiency decreases and connectors may hang or get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical coupling and hydraulic connection operations into a single integrated action. When the tool is attached to the quick coupler, the carrier automatically moves to connect the hydraulic supply connection pieces with the tool's consumer connection pieces, eliminating the need for separate manual connection steps while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic connection components are pre-positioned on the carrier and automatically aligned with the tool's connection pieces when the tool is attached. The carrier's automatic movement brings the connectors into engagement before the operator needs to use the tool, ensuring readiness without additional manual steps
2Reliability
If supply connection pieces are permanently mounted on the tool carrier, then connection reliability is improved, but space requirements increase and older tools become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a movable component that automatically positions the supply connection pieces relative to the tool's connection pieces. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different tool configurations while maintaining reliable hydraulic connections, and the carrier can be retracted when not in use to minimize space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The movable carrier design allows the quick coupler to accommodate both older tools without hydraulic connections and newer tools with hydraulic connections. When an older tool is attached, the carrier remains in its initial position and does not interfere with the tool's operation, making the system universally compatible
3Volume of moving object
If supply connection pieces are located inside the quick-change coupling, then compact design is achieved, but connectors become hidden and inaccessible for manual connection
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier moves automatically based on the tool attachment state. When a tool is attached, the carrier extends to connect the hydraulic lines, achieving compact integration. When no tool is attached or when manual connection is needed, the carrier can be positioned to expose the connection pieces, maintaining accessibility while preserving compact design
4Extent of automation
If the locking unit actuates supply connection pieces, then automatic hydraulic connection is achieved, but wear and fouling increase when non-hydraulic tools are used
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier's movement is dynamically controlled based on whether a hydraulic tool is actually attached. The system can detect the tool type and only actuate the carrier to connect hydraulic lines when appropriate, preventing unnecessary wear and fouling when non-hydraulic tools are used while maintaining full automation when hydraulic tools are attached
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has an outlet connecting part (9) connected with a supply connecting part (6) when a locking unit (4) is closed and detached from the supply connecting part when the locking unit is opened. A carrier (11) is supportably movable between an advanced and retracted position on a working tool (2). The carrier comprises a driver part (12) for engagement with an operating element (13) that is coupled with a movable bolt element (5), where direction of motion of the carrier corresponds to the bolt element. The carrier is supported on the working tool.